NBS, the specification and product information platform for the construction industry, has announced a partnership with standards body GS1 to improve the quality, traceability and visibility of product data across the supply chain
The strategic collaboration means that for the first time, manufacturers will able to assign Global Trade Item Numbers (GTIN), a globally recognised standardised product identification approach, to their products on NBS Source.
By creating a unique digital identity for every product, this initiative addresses longstanding challenges related to fragmented and inconsistent product data in construction.
Supporting a single source of truth
Underpinning a single source of truth, this collaboration is closely aligned with emerging regulatory frameworks, including the Golden Thread of Information and digital product passports (DPPs).
Dr Stephen Hamil, innovation director at NBS, said: “Our aim at NBS is to make structured, high-quality product data available where and when it’s needed. That starts with consistent identification. By incorporating GTINs into NBS Source, we’re helping to remove ambiguity from specifications and make it easier for manufacturers to manage their digital product information at scale. The adoption of open standards like these is essential if we want to build a more transparent and connected industry.”
GTINs are already widely used across the logistics, retail, healthcare and food sectors to enhance supply chain efficiency and data accuracy. Now, GS1 UK and NBS are bringing this global standard to construction, unlocking better discoverability of products in digital environments.
Early adopters on NBS Source include Knauf Insulation, Aico, Devi, Ibstock, Armitage Shanks, Fischer, Wallbarn, Permavent, Fire & Acoustic Seals, URSA and C-TEC.
Ryan Ferguson, head of product & innovation at Knauf Insulation said: “We’re now able to assign a single, globally recognised product identifier that travels with our data from internal systems into specification platforms like NBS, through procurement and distributor platforms and right through to end-of-life stages like disassembly. Even years later, if disassembly is needed, that same unique code still links to vital product information – helping teams carry out the process safely and sustainably.”
Integrating GTINs into NBS Source enables manufacturers to showcase their products across Google, procurement platforms, online marketplaces, asset databases and even AI tools like ChatGPT. This wider exposure not only amplifies visibility but also gives project teams fast, reliable access to verified product information.
Shervin Yousefzadeh, head of construction at GS1 UK, said: “This is a significant moment for the construction industry. We’ve seen how identifiers like GTINs unlock better supply chain visibility in other industries, and now construction has the chance to benefit in the same way.
“Wider adoption of these will provide the clarity and consistency the sector has needed for years. The beauty of GTINs is that they’re open, globally recognised and ready to use. They will help construction product manufacturers prepare for upcoming regulation and allow the wider industry to access trusted product data at every stage of a project.”
Over the coming months GS1 UK and NBS will deepen their collaboration, launching educational resources, hosting targeted outreach sessions and providing best practice guidance to drive GTIN adoption among both manufacturers and specifiers nationwide.
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